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The USCIS posted over 40 new forms onto their website today (12-23-16) with an effective date of today saying these new form versions are the only versions of the forms accepted as of today. When new forms are adopted, there is typically both prior notice given and a transition period where prior forms are still acceptable for use. No prior notice of the changes was given and no alert was even sent out today by the USCIS--so you only happen to notice the overhaul if you looked at the USCIS forms on their website today. Drastic fee increases of 30%+ were implemented today as well. The USCIS has said they will reject all cases received without the correct fee but have indicated upon questioning that they will "use discretion" in rejecting cases for outdated forms because they understand many cases are in process to be sent to them. The forms affected are for high use case types and the sudden move by the USCIS will wreak havoc on cases currently in process.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has proposed a new 155 page ‘International Entrepreneur Rule’ which will be published in the Federal Register this week for a 45 day public comment period.

Some US colleges are creating "global entrepreneur in residence" programs that allow alumni to work part-time on campus while they develop a business. The part-time campus work qualifies them for the H1b quota cap exemption available to employees of universities. Washington Post article on the topic

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2017 of 65,000 so the cap was once again reached within the first 5 business days of the filing period which began on 4/1/16. The additional 20,000 H-1B slots made available to people with US advanced degrees have also been used up.

Despite rhetoric about the US having a “tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world,” the release of official strategies to ensure that America continues “to lead as the world’s most innovative economy, to develop the industries of the future, and to harness innovation to help address our Nation’s most important challenges,” and countless bills being introduced to revise all or parts of the US immigration system and endless talk of new startup visas, no actions have in actuality been taken that make visas easier to obtain for startup founders and tech professionals. The opposite, in fact, is true as the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has implemented new policy memorandum that re-interpret many existing laws in more restrictive ways over the past two decades. Navigating the immigration minefield is the key to successfully establishing or expanding your tech company in the US. Don’t blink or you’ll miss your chance at the most commonly used tech visa…it's only available for one week!